For what it's worth, this is what I use. If this helps or inspires so be it.
this is my bob Jackson world tourist with a gossamer crank with 24-38-41 chain rings and a 12-36 9 speed cassette. It gives me half steps from 28.5 to 92+ inches. The granny goes as low as 18 inches. It works for me. Also the bar ends are old suntour friction so I can change the number of speeds in the cassette without much trouble. The rd is an old xtr, the front is a nr campy. The whole thing works great year round except with deep snow, which will freeze up the derailleurs. Deep snow also makes the brakes iffy. Rain is not an issue. My strategy is to avoid deep snow! Tires are conti ride tours. 700x32. 20 bucks a piece and super sturdy. Not the fastest tire but no flats for over a thousand miles this year. Also I have a b17 hidden under the seat cover.